INTRO

Hello Movers, Shakers, and “Tomorrow I’ll Start”-ers,

Ever found your gym bag gathering more dust than your grandma’s fake teeth? Or maybe your running shoes have become the world’s fanciest doorstops? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re exactly who we’re talking about today.

Just like Planet Fitness. No judgement here. If we dropped as many pounds as Donald did tariffs, we could maybe fit back into our high school jeans.

Today, we’re diving into the surprisingly sneaky habit of neglecting regular exercise. We’ll explore why it happens, what it really costs us (spoiler: it’s more than just tight jeans), how to spot it in your own life, and—most importantly—how to break the cycle with practical, realistic steps. Ready to trade inertia for action? Let’s jump in (no burpees required… yet).

Lingchi: The Thousand (Tiny) Cuts of Skipping Exercise

Let’s be honest: skipping one workout doesn’t feel like a big deal. But neglecting exercise is rarely about one dramatic moment. It’s the slow, almost imperceptible accumulation of skipped sessions, busy days, and “I’ll do it tomorrow” promises.

The Challenges:

• Time Goblins: Work, family, babies, trading stocks, Netflix—there’s always something clamoring for your attention.

• Motivation Mirage: Some days, the couch is more seductive than a spa day.

• Intimidation Station: The gym can feel like a gladiator arena if you haven’t been in a while.

The Outcomes:

• Energy Drain: Ironically, not moving makes you more tired.

• Mood Swings: Exercise is nature’s mood enhancer—without it, stress and irritability can creep in.

• Health Sneak Attack: Increased risk of chronic diseases, weight gain, and even brain fog.

Relatable Example:
Think of your fitness like a houseplant. Forget to water it once? No problem. Forget for a month? Well, now you’ve got a crispy fern and a guilty conscience.

There’s probably also a cat that won’t eat it because it’s too burnt.

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Hansei: Time for Some Honest Self-Reflection; Doesn’t involve a mirror 🫢 

Grab your favorite beverage (no judgment if it’s coffee #3).

Ask yourself:

• When was the last time you exercised regularly for at least a month?

• What’s your go-to excuse when you skip a workout? (Be honest—everyone has one!)

• How do you feel on days you move vs. days you don’t?

Mini Self-Assessment:

• Score yourself from 1 (couch potato) to 10 (daytime superhero) on your current exercise habits.

• What’s one small thing you could do this week to bump your score up by just one point?

The small thing is important in how you may be able to jump into your day.

Unfortunately, Mario doesn’t have a warp whistle for weight loss.

Kaizen: Small Steps Toward Big Change

Kaizen is all about continuous improvement through small, manageable steps. Here’s how you can sneak more movement into your life—no drastic overhauls required.

1. The “Snackable” Workout

Don’t have an hour? Try 10-minute “exercise snacks.” Walk during calls, do squats while brushing your teeth, or try a quick YouTube workout.

Tool: Under-desk treadmill

Tool: I actually do this. Every hour, set a timer. Do 10 pushups, 10 situps, and 10 air squats.

2. Habit Stacking

Pair exercise with something you already do. Example: “After I make my morning coffee, I’ll do 15 jumping jacks.”

Tool: New coffee pot

3. Accountability Buddy

Find a friend, colleague, or even your dog (they’re surprisingly persistent) to keep you honest.

4. Track Your Progress

Use a simple habit tracker or app to celebrate streaks—because nothing feels better than ticking off a box.

Tool: Habitica, Strides

5. Reward Yourself

Treat yourself for consistency. New playlist, fancy coffee, or a guilt-free Netflix binge—whatever keeps you motivated.